The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” — Proverbs 21:20 (NIV)

There’s a moment every steward faces: the credit card statement arrives, and your heart sinks just a little. You glance at the total, whisper a quiet prayer, and think, How did it get this high again?

You’re not alone. Credit card debt has become the modern-day Goliath—loud, intimidating, and relentless. But like David, you’re not called to run from it—you’re called to face it strategically.

Step One: See Debt for What It Really Is

In Uniform of the Steward, I wrote:

“Debt is not a moral failure—it’s a misplaced allegiance. The question isn’t, ‘How deep is my debt?’ but rather, ‘Who am I serving through it?’”

Debt is a tool gone rogue. It promises freedom and flexibility but quietly demands your future in return. The first step in outsmarting credit card debt is to see it through the eyes of stewardship. God didn’t design you to live in financial anxiety—He designed you to walk in peace and purpose.

Step Two: Rank Your Debts with Strategy, Not Shame

In Putting on the Uniform of the Steward, Thomas puts it plainly:

“Every battle needs a plan. Stewardship begins when you stop reacting to bills and start commanding your finances.”

List your debts from smallest to largest (the Debt Snowball) or by highest interest rate (the Debt Avalanche). The choice depends on your motivation:

• If you need early wins to build momentum → Snowball.
• If you want to minimize long-term interest → Avalanche.

Either way, the goal is progress—consistent, prayerful progress.

Here’s a simple hierarchy for repayment:

1. Tithes and necessities first (you can’t pour from an empty cup).
2. High-interest debt (usually credit cards >15%).
3. Moderate-interest loans (personal or auto).
4. Low-interest, long-term debt (mortgage, student loans).

This structure doesn’t just free your wallet—it restores your peace.

Step Three: Use “Stewardship Judo”

Judo turns your opponent’s momentum against them. Financially, you can do the same:

• Transfer balances strategically – Use lower-interest promotional offers, but set a plan to pay them off before the promo ends.
• Automate payments – Let discipline work quietly in the background.
• Negotiate interest rates – Creditors often lower rates if you simply ask.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to pay off debt—it’s to reclaim control.

Step Four: Replace Reaction with Routine

One of the greatest lies debt tells is that you’re stuck. You’re not. Stewardship is about transforming what feels chaotic into something sacred.
As Thomas writes in Putting on the Uniform of the Steward:

“The steward learns that order isn’t restrictive—it’s redemptive. God’s plan for your finances is peace, not panic.”

Establish a “Financial Sabbath”—one day a month where you review your accounts, pray over your goals, and adjust as needed. This rhythm keeps your focus on God’s provision rather than your fears.

Step Five: Invite God into the Strategy

You don’t need to outthink debt alone. James 1:5 reminds us,

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”

Invite the Holy Spirit into your financial planning. Pray before making payments. Celebrate each victory, no matter how small. Stewardship isn’t about perfection—it’s about partnership.

Freedom Begins with Faithfulness

Debt doesn’t vanish overnight, but every faithful payment is a step closer to freedom. The real victory isn’t just zeroing out your balance—it’s aligning your finances with God’s purpose.

If you’re ready to take that next step, explore Uniform of the Steward and Putting on the Uniform of the Steward—two guides designed to help you live your faith in your finances.